  |
|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 3 1997
97-188
CONTACT: Larry Altose, outreach specialist, (425) 649-7192
Dale Jensen, regional air-quality supervisor, (360) 407-6325
John Raymond, air-quality planner, (360) 407-6856
OLYMPIA, WA - Effective today, gas-cap inspections at motor vehicle Emission Check stations in Clark County are for information only -- until the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is assured that drivers will receive faster service. The rest of the Emission Check process remains unchanged.
Checks for leaky gas caps began last month and were required for most cars and trucks, but the new procedure created delays and long lines for motorists. Therefore, the fuel-cap tests will remain advisory while Ecology works with staff at the privately operated test stations to speed up the procedure. For the time being, the cap checks won't occur during busy times.
"We did not intend to cause long waits, so we'll test gas caps on an information-only basis for at least two months," said Dale Jensen, air-quality supervisor in Ecology's southwest region. "You'll find out if your cap leaks, but you won't have to replace it if it does."
Jensen said the department wants to complete most gas-cap tests in less than one minute. Once the process has been refined to achieve that goal, the tests will become mandatory again.
"By checking fuel caps only during slack times, the staff will have a chance to practice and improve their speed," Jensen said.
Leaky gas caps allow smog-causing fumes to vent into the air, even when a car is not running. The cap check is part of a 10-year regional plan aimed at keeping smog levels in the Vancouver-Portland area within federal health standards. It is not required elsewhere in Washington.
Emission Check stations are operated by Envirotest Systems, Inc., under a competitively bid contract with the state.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
